Content:

(Pa, B, FR, Ro, LL, S, N, A) Mixed pagan worldview with some pagan sexual content, moral elements and a reference to God creating the world in only six days, mixed with pop music references to Eastern pagan religion, including large statue of Buddha appears on stage at a climactic pop music concert, references to Eastern religion are made into a joke at times because they are connected to a somewhat crazy celebrity who, however, listens to reason on one point at the end, plus some light Romantic content where people are swayed by their feelings, with some positive funny, touching moments mocking the music industry and the vagaries of being a celebrity and a bonafide artist at the same time; two obscenities and 10 light profanities (mostly "My God"); no violence but some onstage pyrotechnics; implied fornication when couple wakes up together, suggestive dancing and light sexual references; upper male nudity; alcohol use; no smoking; and, nothing else objectionable.

Summary:

MUSIC AND LYRICS is a witty, entertaining romantic comedy starring Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant, in a story about a washed-up 1980s pop star who gets a second chance at fame, success and romance when he teams up with a cute, clever and attractive writer with a bruised ego. Despite some positive elements, including a reference to God, MUSIC AND LYRICS has some sexual content, foul language and mixed references to Eastern religion, including a false idol.

Review:

MUSIC AND LYRICS is a witty, entertaining romantic comedy starring Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant. There are a few problem areas, however.

Hugh Grant plays Alex Fletcher, a washed-up 1980s pop star reduced to working county fairs and class reunions. Alex is a talented composer, but he and his former lyricist had a falling out when their group disbanded. He has a chance, however, to come up with a hit song for flaky pop star Cora, a Brittany Spears-type who's into Hindu mysticism, if only Alex can find the right lyricist. His steadfast manager saddles Alex with a morose, edgy lyricist. When they have trouble coming up with the right Top 40 lyrics, Sophie, the young lady taking care of Alex's plants (played by Drew Barrymore), displays a knack for writing. Alex convinces Sophie to take over. As they struggle to come up with the song, an undeniable chemistry develops between them. When Cora wants to add some lyrics and inappropriate, steamy dance moves, Sophie takes offense. This endangers her new romance with Alex, who desperately needs the job.

The dialogue in MUSIC AND LYRICS crackles – and the songs are pretty good too. Hugh Grant shows why he became such a sought-after leading man in the first place. His performance here really stands out. Not to take anything from the other players, who are also good, but his character in this movie seems tailor made for him.

Regrettably, the movie contains an implied sex scene, brief sexual references and some suggestive dance moves. There is also some foul language. Finally, although the movie has positive moral elements, a positive reference to God and His creation of the universe in six days, and an uplifting ending, its dominant worldview is mixed and contains references to Eastern pagan religion, including a giant Buddha statue that appears onstage at the pop music star's climactic concert. The movie does, however, make fun of some aspects of the pop star's shallow Eastern mysticism.

In Brief:

MUSIC AND LYRICS is a witty, entertaining romantic comedy starring Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant. Grant plays Alex Fletcher, a washed-up 1980s pop star reduced to working county fairs and class reunions. Alex is a talented composer, but he and his former lyricist had a falling out when their group disbanded. Barrymore plays Sophie Fisher, a young writer working as Alex's temporary plant lady. She shows a knack for writing clever lines, so Alex hires her to help him write a hit for a flaky pop star who's into Eastern mysticism.

The dialogue in MUSIC AND LYRICS crackles – and the songs are pretty good too. Hugh Grant shows why he became a sought-after leading man. His performance stands out. Not to take anything from the other players, who are also good, but his character here seems tailor made for him. Regrettably, the movie contains an implied sex scene, brief sexual references and suggestive dance moves. There is also some foul language. Finally, although the movie has positive moral elements, including a positive reference to God, its dominant worldview is mixed and contains mixed references to Eastern religion that could confuse viewers.